It’s hard to believe it’s been just a little over a year since Google released the cheapest set-top “box” there is, the Chromecast. Initially, I wasn’t too enthused. After hearing how my friends liked it, I figured why not make the jump? It would give me some entertainment when I was on the road as well. Since picking it up, I’ve completely fallen in love.
In your quest to make the entire home “smart,” check out emberlight. Emberlight is a brand new device that allows you to turn even your most boring light fixture into a smart light fixture. Emberlight will automatically turn the light on when you walk into the room and connects to your existing WiFi network. Check out the emberlight Kickstarter campaign.
It's been said for a very long time that the digital camera as a standalone gadget is a dying business. Smartphones are getting better as cameras, and as apps improve shooting and sharing photos, it has become less and less important to have a standalone camera. This past week I had two experiences that really sealed that message for me.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of one of the most beloved little roadsters in motoring history – the Mazda Miata. Born of an idea by a California automotive journalist, the Miata has spent these 25 years offering simple driving pleasure in an affordable package celebrating Mazda’s mantra of its Jinba Ittai driving experience – oneness between car and driver.
The Boombot REX by Boombotix is an ultra-portable ruggedized Bluetooth speaker that can be your partner in crime, no matter what the adventure. This tiny speaker pumps out the jams with dual drivers and a bass woofer, all while being just a tad bigger than a deck of playing cards. The Boombot REX retails for $99.99.
Bem’s Bluetooth Wireless Speaker Band isn’t quite the Dick Tracy Watch, but it’s close! The Speaker Band is a small Bluetooth speaker in the form factor of a watch that you wear on your wrist. Inside the speaker is a microphone, so you can take voice calls without ever picking up your phone. The Bem Speaker Band retails for $49.99.
Cables to charge and sync devices are a boring, uninspiring but important part of a modern mobile life. Every smartphone and tablet ships with one, so aftermarket cables may seem like a waste of money. But they are cheap, and many of us need cables in various locations. That’s where the TYLT Syncable Charge and Sync Cable comes in.
We have reviewed quite a few portable speakers that offer excellent audio and multiple ways to stream or connect, but with few exceptions it seems like most could be described as more utilitarian and less refined. The $299.99 Bayan Audio soundbook X3 is one portable speaker that not only sounds fantastic, it also looks terrific. Bayan Audio, a UK company founded in 2011, focusses on creating “outstanding products to help you enjoy sound wherever you are”, and with whatever device your music happens to be stored on, whether it be “Audio Systems, Smartphones, Tablets or Notebooks.” They focus on making quality products that use wood, aluminum, and…
I’ve been on a “designer” ice-cube kick for a couple of months now; the bigger and more interesting, the better. I’ve finally come across a clear winner; say hello to the $14.95 Tovolo Colossal Cube Molds. These molds produce blocky ice cubes that will look impressive in your glass as they chill your beverage!
One of the best features of the Sony Xperia Z2 phone and tablet is the built-in noise cancellation. It works great with Sony’s NC headphones, but it also does a good job if you pick up a Sony Stereo Microphone STM10. I got mine a few days ago, and I’m already impressed by the quality of the audio it captures.
When the Fitbit Flex came out, I ordered. It took about 15 minutes to realize that I hated its bracelet, but that the device itself was okay. I threw it in a drawer, and it’s sat there for a year. Last week came the announcement of Tory Burch Fitbit accessories. Because of them, I’m giving my dusty Flex another try.
A few years ago, I reviewed a pair of custom earphones of the type that only musicians usually get to use. You know, those earphones with a custom mold of each ear. The fit and finish are amazing but the price? Ouch. Decibullz Custom Molded Earphones is a new brand looking to bring an affordable custom-fit approach to the masses.
As expected after their announcement at E3, Sony has added Blu-ray 3D support to their latest PlayStation 4 system software update (1.75). Officially released on July 29, it’s the first prominent update on the PS4 console since April’s ShareFactory. Other new feature updates include new automatic download settings for featured content from the PlayStation®Store (with power ON or in standby) and better video playback sound quality. Are you excited about Blu-ray 3D? Have you downloaded the update and tried it? Do tell!
Shoot, edit, share – the mantra of modern photography in our instant world and the mission statement of nearly every hardware and software developer in this genre. Incipio, a southern California-based designer and manufacturer of mobile device accessories, recently provided GearDiary with the new Incipio Focal Camera Case for iPhone5/5s, a device promising to make you photograph like a pro.
I love it when an external battery pack includes everything needed to charge and be charged in one package, and that is where the $17 5200mAh Lumsing Mini Portable Power Bank really shines. Not only does it have a built in microUSB for charging your phone, it also has a built in USB charger for charging the battery itself. Measuring approximately 3″ long x 2″ wide x 0.8″ thick, the power bank is composed of shiny white plastic that is bisected by a rubber USB to microUSB cable that plugs into matching ports on the battery, ready to be unplugged when needed. But as usual, I…
The quirky, collapsible Bluetooth speaker known as the SSSSSpeaker has been designed by aiia, a Ukrainian design firm and is looking for funding on Kickstarter right at this very moment. It is designed to fit in your pocket and is easy to take along everywhere you go. Check out the Kickstarter campaign to pledge your support today!
It has been just over a year since I reviewed inkle’s release of Steve Jackson’s Sorcery! interactive game, with the second chapter of that game coming later last year. Now they are back with an interactive game based on Jules Verne’s ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, and once again they have produced a compelling and stunning experience!
I have become a huge fan of wireless charging for phones. Being able to toss your phone on a small pad and let it charge is awesome. The only charging case I have used involved battery cases. Dog & Bone has allowed me to test both their wireless charging case with pad ($139.95) and extended battery ($49.95). Read on for the review.
The introduction of the iPad ushered in the era of an entirely new category of device accessories. Among the impressive “add-ons” to come to market have been stands to allow for hands-free use; the tablift is one such accessory. The $59.95 stand isn’t the most refined hands-free tablet holder we’ve seen, but it more than gets the job done.
If you are looking for a dash cam and don’t want to spend a bundle, the Spytec G1W 1080P HD Car Dash Camera may be just the thing for you. With an MSRP of under $80, and a current price of under $60, is in an inexpensive way to record what happens in just about any vehicle.
The other day, Judie posted on Facebook that the 6.4″ Sony Xperia Ultra might replace both her Sony Xperia Z2 and her iPad Mini. I don’t see that happening for me, as the Z2 is so amazing. The Ultra is actually a great option from a financial perspective, but there are other reasons to consider it as well.